•ECONO COPY, 
I6W9. 



S£ 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. 

Chap. Copyright No... 

/Sff 

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 



THE PROMISE OF MORNING 



THE PROMISE 
OF MORNING 

BY HENRY COYLE 




BOSTON 

ANGEL GUARDIAN PRESS 

1399 












29580 



Copyright 1S99. 



TWoeo», M „» e! , |VBB 



' 







Co all vvbo bave 
been ftino. 



CONTENTS. 



PAGE. 

THE PROMISE OF MORNING 13 

FAITH AND HOPE ------ 15 

SUCCESS -______- 17 

THE SCROLL OF PAPYRUS ----- 19 

THE BIRD'S SONG- - - - - - - 21 

SWEET ISLE OF DREAMS ----- 23 



THE 20TH CENTURY KING 



: .-> 



SHIPS THAT PASS IN THE NIGHT - - - 27 

NATURE'S HEALING POWER - - - - 28 

DID GOD FORGET ------ 29 

THE BLIND BIRD ------ 30 

WHEN SORROW COMES REMEMBER ME - - 3 1 

A SIMPLE RHYME - - - - '- - "32 

THE CRITIC - -------33 

THE POET'S GIFT -------34 

THE GLORIOUS MORN ------ 35 

A WEARY HEAD ------- 36 

THE BLUE BIRD'S MESSAGE - - - 38 

THE PLANTER OF A TREE ----- 39 

A KIND WORD ------- 40 

A WEARY HEART -------42 

THE RICH MAN'S PRAYER ----- 43 

THE JOY OF SPRING ------ 44 



IX 



CONTENTS. 

PAGE. 
A VIOLET ------ -.45 

A LITTLE WORD -------46 

THE PHILOSOPHER - - - - "47 

FATE - - -'.'"- - - - - -48 

LOVE AND FAME -------50 

A REFLECTION - "51 

PASSION'S SLAVE ------- 52 

JOHN BOYLE O'REILLY - - - - _ "53 

THE PRICE OF FAME ------ 55 

A JUNE ROSE - 56 

THE OLD SCHOOLHOUSE 57 

THE MASK --------59 

MEMORIAL DAY -------6o 

FLAG OF THE BRAVE AND FREE 62 

SHE MADE HOME HAPPY ----- 63 

THE LULLABY ------- 64 

REST ---------65 

A CHANGELESS FRIEND 66 

THE IDEAL - - - - - "67 

MEMORIAL DAY ------- 6S 

THIS TOO WILL PASS AWAY - * - - 69 

THE CAPTIVE EAGLE ------ 70 

NEW BATES HALL - - - - - "71 

BALBOA 72 

THE POET IS A TEACHER - - - - "73 

THE MUSE -------- 74 

JOY AND PAIN -------75 

PUSSY'S PLEA ------- 76 

RECONCILIATION -------77 

GETHSEMANE ._--_-_ 7S 



CONTENTS. 



UNBELIEF -------.79 

A CRY FROM THE DEPTHS So 

WHEN THE SUN SHINES ------ 8l 

THE MYSTERY OF PAIN 82 

THE DIGNITY OF LABOR - • - - - 83 

FROM LOWEST DEPTHS - - - - 85 

THE FOURTH WATCH ------ 87 

LIFE'S GALILEE -------89 

AFFLICTION 90 

OUT OF THE DEPTHS ------ 91 

TRUST ---------93 

STRENGTH FOR WEAK HEARTS - - - - 94 

THE STAR OF BETHLEHEM 95 

THY BEST -------- 97 

AN OFFERING - -98 

CROSS AND CROWN - - - - - - IOO 

TO-DAY IS BORN FOR US A KING - - - IOI 

THE LOWLY GIFT ------- 103 

FATHER AND GOD - - - - - - 104 

EASTER DAWN - - - - - - - 1 05 

AN EASTER LEGEND - IO7 

EASTER GREETING IO9 

CHRIST IS RISEN HO 

"THE EYE OF GOD" - - - - - - III 

THANKSGIVING - - 112 

FOR ALL THAT NEVER CAN BE TOLD - - 113 

THANKSGIVING - II 5 

THE MARTYRED DEAD - I 1 7 

AT REST - -I 18 

THE BETTER PART - - - - - - 120 



CONTENTS. 

PAGE. 

the forest sanctuary - - - - - 121 

who is my neighbor ------ 122 

hope's quenchless star - - - - - 1 23 

mary's unfailing love - - - - - 1 24 

queen of may - - - - - - -1^5 

a rosary of flowers ----- 127 

a child of mary - - - - - -1 28 

sweet mother, pray for me - - - - 1 29 

life's calvary cross - - - - - 130 

his name is love ------ 132 

the lonely vigil with the dead - i33 

rest in heaven - - - — - "135 

do they know ------- 136 

the serpent of doubt ----- 137 

a dead enemy ------- 139 

almighty father - i40 

an omnipresent god - i4i 

in the house of god - i42 



TTbe promise of flDornina. 

O'ER the horizon, through cloud-rifts, 
The sun-god peeps before he lifts 
The curtain of the skies ; 
Like candles after some great feast, 
The stars die out, and in the East 
The shadows slowly rise. 

Kissed by the sunshine, washed with rain, 
The face of Nature smiles again, 

The brooks laugh as they flow ; 
The leaves appear, and blossoms white 
Clothe bush and tree with raiment bright- 

A drapery like snow. 

The sun dissolves the misty veil, 
Which, rising, leaves a shining trail 

Behind of silver thread ; 
And dew drops sparkle like rare gems 
That glisten on queen's diadems, 

Or tears that angels shed. 



THE PROMISE OF MORNING. 

The great orchestra softly plays 
An overture of joy and praise, 

A new day has begun ; 
The birds in one grand chorus sing : 
"A thousand welcomes to the spring, 

All hail, life-giving sun ! " 

Like seeds up-growing through the earth, 
Thus we must struggle for new birth, 

New growth, new life divine ; 
The soul shall conquer death and gloom, 
And in eternal spring may bloom, 

Fulfilling God's design. 



FAITH AND HOPE. 



jfaitb anfc 1bope. 

THERE is no death, you say ? What, then, is 
this? 
Why lies my darling dumb ? Though I may kiss 
Her lips, her eyes, her hair, her sweet, dear face, 
She does not answer, and I cannot trace 
A smile upon her mute, dry lips that close 
Together, like the petals of a rose. 

The thin white hands they fold upon her breast ; 
The hands that toiled so long are now at rest ; 
The heart that throbbed and broke with grief is 

still, 
Poor weary heart ! of grief it had its fill ! — 
Must I through life alone forever grope ? 
Two angels stand beside me — Faith and Hope. 

"Weep not — there is no death ! " they say, the 

while 
They look upon my darling with a smile ; 



15 



THE PROMISE OF MORNING. 

"She is not lost ; on yonder shining strand 
We saw your loved one near God's presence 

stand. 
Have faith ! have hope ! it is not death to die ; 
She waits for thee up yonder in the sky. 

"The scarred hands now are tender, soft and 

white, 
The sad, dim eyes are tearless, clear and bright ; 
The worn, pale face is smooth and very fair, 
The brow no longer furrowed deep with care. 
Earth's petty trials ne'er shall sting again, 
Your loved one now is free from grief and pain. 

"She grieves to see thee grieve; be comforted; 
Have faith — believe ! your darling is not dead ; 
She watches o'er thee; all the day and night 
She guards thee, keeps thee ever in her sight ; 
This is her loving message : 'I shall wait, 
And meet thee, loved one, at the Golden Gate.' " 



16 



SUCCESS. 



Success* 

HPWO country lads, light-hearted, gay, 
* Left happy homes one summer day 
To go in search of wealth and fame, 
To make the world ring with their name. 
The first for riches madly sought, 
And scorned all weakness, and no thought 
He gave to others ; all was self, 
And soon he won a store of pelf. 

He toiled for gold with hand and brain, 
His God was Self — his creed was gain ; 
His palace home was fair and grand, 
And filled with art of every land ; 
And there he lived in state alone, 
Until his heart grew hard as stone ; 
And in his life love had no part — 
Failure was graven on his heart. 

The years. went on and all his life 
Was full of petty cares and strife ; 
And then he found as he grew old, 
He could not buy with all his gold 



*7 



THE PROMISE OF MORNING. 

A loving heart — a faithful friend 
To bide with him until the end; 
He died at last, but none were near 
To shed for him a single tear. 

The younger lad lived but to gain 

The love of men — to ease their pain ; 

His pleasant laugh and kindly word 

In storm or shine, were always heard. 

And though the world might scorn and brand 

A fallen brother, his strong hand 

Would help him up, and all men felt 

That sunshine lingered where he dwelt. 

His face was open, frank and clear, 
He knew not what was meant by fear; 
His action, deed, and life were pure, 
And of his honor men were sure. 
Heedless of fame or foolish pride, 
Unknown he toiled, unknown he died; 
But ah! he chose the better part, 
For his success was of the heart. 



THE SCROLL OF PAPYRUS. 



Ube Scroll of papyrus. 

TN a fair country of the East, 

* Forgotten now by time, 

There lived, unknown, a poet priest, 

Who wrote his thought in rhyme. 
Men scoffed and jeered and gave no heed, 

And when the singer died, 
They brought the scroll that none would read, 

And placed it at his side. 



Four thousand years or more ago, 

The poet wrote his song ; 
Four thousand years went by, and lo ! 

The words that had so long 
Been hidden in the dust and gloom, 

Upon the mummy's heart 
Were found, when men broke in the tomb, 

In search of ancient art. 

The scoffers and the nation fell, 

And all their pomp and lust 
Have disappeared, and none can tell 

Where lies their very dust. 



'9 



THE PROMISE OF MORNING. 

The hands with which the poet wrought 

Are now but lifeless clay, 
But there, untouched by time, his thought, 

Was found at this late day. 

Above his tomb a stone they raise, 

The world rings with his name ; 
Men yield him now the meed of praise. 

But greater than mere fame, 
Though he has reached the final goal, 

The pure thought from his pen 
Shall still live on, though ages roll, 

And stir the hearts of men. 

An acorn dropped beside the road 

May rise a mighty tree, 
A thought of ours may be the goad 

To immortality. 
So let our thoughts be sweet and pure, 

And all the world shall bow 
In homage, and they may endure 

Ten thousand years from now. 



20 



THE BIRD'S SONG. 



Ube iJBtrfc's Song* 

T heard a song — a cry of joy 
* Ring out upon the evening air ; 
It was a wood-thrush, shy and coy, 
With voice melodious and rare. 

When bright days linger with us long, 
And all the other birds are mute, 

He fills the gloaming with his song — 
A clear, sweet solo, like a flute. 

And all the day, though wet or dry, 
In sunlight, shade or falling rain, 

His voice in praise soars to the sky, 
An ever-thrilling, joyous strain. 

Ah! when I heard the little bird 
Chant merrily high in the tree, 

My troubled heart was thrilled and stirred 
By his sweet song, so blithe and free. 



THE PROMISE OF MORNING. 

It seemed a message from above, 
And gave me strength again to cope 

With all life's ills ; I felt God's love 
Was still for me, and I had hope. 

O bird ! the dullest ear may hear 
The voice of God in your refrain ; 

It says : "Though life to-day be drear, 
The sun will surely shine again!" 

If we but hearken to the voice 
Of Nature, in a thousand ways 

She teaches us to hope — rejoice — 
Through all our sad and rainy days. 



SWEET ISLE OF DREAMS. 



Sweet flsle ot Dreams* 

QWEET Isle of Dreams ! my heart would fain 
^ Rest there, forgetting all its pain. 
The wild waves all their clamor cease 
And melt upon its sands in peace. 

Upon its shore we find sweet rest ; 
The perfume of its gardens blest, 
The holy stillness and the calm, 
To weary hearts, is healing balm ! 

Sweet Isle of Dreams ! no discord jars 
The ear attuned ; no harsh sound mars 
The music floating on the air, — 
The song of seraphs, pure and fair. 

But all is peace, and joy and love, 
Like that of heaven far above ; 
Where angels clad in garments white, 
Chant hymns of praise in realms of light. 



23 



THE PROMISE OF MORNING. 

Sweet Isle of Dreams ! Fair land of sleep ; 
O'er us the angels vigils keep ; v 
Perchance our spirits with them roam, 
And that they tell us of their home. 



It may be that they come in dreams, 
To wander with us by glad streams 
In gardens fair, and what we see, 
Waking, we hold in memory. 



H 



THE 20th CENTURY KING. 



Zbc 20tb Century Iking. 

IV | O spider preying on his kind, 
1 ^ An idler and a parasite ; 
No autocrat of people blind, 

Ruling his slaves by right of might. 

No plaything of a by-gone age, 
A picture pleasing to the eye, 

Strutting for one brief hour the stage, 
A foolish, useless butterfly. 

But one whose hand is brown with toil, 
Whose face is tanned by wind and sun ; 

Who beautifies and tills the soil, 

Whose crown by right divine is won. 

A toiler, not a useless drone, 

In the world's busy hive of men ; 

His scepter is a tool, his throne 
A symbol, and his sword a pen. 



25 



THE PROMISE OF MORNING. 

He wears a laurel wreath for crown, 
And throughout all the land men sing 

His good deeds, praises and renown — 
The twentieth century king ! 



26 



SHIPS THAT PASS IN THE NIGHT. 



Sbips TTbat fl>ass In tbe IFUgbt. 



OHIPS that pass in the night! No word, 
^ No sound from either can be heard ; 
They speak each other with a light 
As signal — then pass out of sight. 



Ships that pass in the night ! A sigh, 
A smile, a glance from stranger's eye ; 
A signal mute from heart to heart, 
And then we drift for aye apart ! 



27 



THE PROMISE OF MORNING. 



IRature's Ibealtna power. 

\ 17 HAT peace and comfort Nature yields: 
* Y With weary brain and aching heart 
I left the city's crowded mart, 
And sallied forth into the fields. 

I wandered far that bright May day; 

Through wood and vale, and o'er the hills, 
The meadows and by laughing rills, 

And fragrant groves, I took my way. 

The strain and fever and the strife, 
The jostling of the heedless throng 
Were now forgot; the bird's sweet song 

Soothed all the tumult of my life. 

O Nature has a healing power ! 
I knelt in prayer upon the sod 
And thanked my Father and my God 

For the sweet comfort of that hour. 



28 



DID GOD FORGET. 



Bifc (Bob fforget? 

A LITTLE maid with yellow hair, 
^* One cold and stormy winter's day, 
Stood at the window, on a chair, 

And watched the birds across the way. 

When all at once the sweet, blue eyes, 
With sudden tears began to fill ; 

And mamma cried in great surprise : 
"Why, darling, tell me — are you ill ?" 

"No, mamma, but God has forgot 
About the little birdies' toes ; 

They've got no shoes on, and they o't 
To go right home, or they'll be froze !" 



29 



THE PROMISE OF MORNING. 



Ube Blink Birfc* 

'"THERE was a bird and it was blind, 
* It warbled sweet and never pined ; 
With groping feet it felt its way, 
And storm or shine it sang all day. 
It could not see the warm sunlight, 
The heavens blue or flowers bright, 
Yet still it sang ; its heart was gay, 
Though life was night from day to day. 

I've read great books, and heard wise men, 
And seen the world, but tongue nor pen, 
Nor genius, art, nor preacher's word, 
Could stir my heart like that blind bird. 
And it a lesson gave to me, 
That it is always best to be 
As gay and cheerful as I can, 
And bear my troubles like a man. 



30 



WHEN SORROW COMES, REMEMBER ME. 



Wihcn Sorrow Comes, IRemember flDe« 

[ AUGH and be happy, friend ; care-free, 
'^ Enjoy the bright days while they last; 

But when the sky is overcast, 
And sorrow comes, remember me. 

Yes, I would have it so ; be glad 

And thoughtless, and my love forget, 
For I would spare you, friend, regret; — 

But come to me when you are sad. 

Ah ! when you need me I would fain 
Be near to share your grief and loss; 
To help you bear life's heavy cross, 

And shield you from all care and pain! 



31 



THE PROMISE OF MORNING. 



H Simple IRbsme. 

'"FHEY built their king a palace grand, 
*■ The fairest one in all the land ; 
But now those halls of royal cheer, 
Are haunted ruins, lone and drear. 

They built a castle on a height — 
The scene of siege and gallant fight ; 
It cast a shadow o'er the town, 
But now its walls have crumbled down. 

They built a monument so high, 
It seemed to pierce the azure sky ; 
But now it is a heap of stone 
With moss and ivy overgrown. 

A poet dreaming all the day, 
Sang to his lady fair a lay; 
Though temples perish — cities fall — 
The simple rhyme outlives them all. 



32 



THE CRITIC. 



Uhc Critic* 

'"THE critic stood with scornful eye 
*■ Before a picture on the wall ; 
"You call this art ? Now, see that fly, 
It is not natural at all. 

"It has too many legs, its head 
Is far too large — who ever saw 

A fly like that, so limp and dead, 

And wings that look as if they — pshaw !" 

And with a gesture of disgust 

He waved his hand, when lo ! the fly 

Flew from the picture. "Ah ! some dust," 
The critic said, "was in my eye." 



33 



THE PROMISE OF MORNING. 



Ufoe poet's Gift 

THE poet looks with unsealed eyes 
* Upon the ever-changing skies ; 
The vale and mountain, plain and brook 
He reads like pages of a book. 

His ear attuned, earth's melody, 
The zephyr and the moaning sea, 
The birds' song and musician's art, 
All find an echo in his heart. 

He feels the charm and subtle power 
Contained in every wayside flower ; 
He is akin to all things wild, 
For he is Nature's simple child. 

All living things to him are dear, 
And God is ever very near ; 
To poets only this is given — 
To find on earth a part of heaven. 



34 



THE GLORIOUS MORN. 



Zhc (Blorious flDorn« 



/^VPEN the shutters, free and wide, 
^-^ And "glorify the room ;" 
That no dark shadows here may bide- 
That there be naught of gloom. 



What joy to breathe the morning air, 

And see the sun again ; 
With living things God's love to share, 

In recompense for pain ! 



3.^ 



THE PROMISE OF MORNING. 



H Meats Ifceafc- 

Y\ 7TTH throbbing brain and weary heart, 

* I sat, worn out by toil and care, 

When suddenly I gave a start — 
It was the baby near my chair. 

She smiled and looked up in my face, 
Her red lips trembling, as she said, 

With such a loving, childish grace : 
"Has papa got a weary head ?" 

I frowned on her and dropped my pen, 
The laughter from the blue eyes fled ; 

And then she stared in wonder, when 
I roughly answered : "Go to bed !" 

That night my little girl was ill, 
And nothing gave her pain relief ; 

I watched her lying there so still, 
And sobbed aloud in wildest grief. 



36 



A WEARY HEAD. 

Her bright eyes opened very slow, 

She looked at me so wistfully, 
And then she whispered, soft and low : 

"Dear papa, is oo mad with me ?" 

The sweet voice faltered, — "Don't be mad, 

I didn't mean to trouble oo, 
But papa looked so very sad, 

I didn't know what else to do." 



And here I sit with aching brow, 
My darling lying near me — dead; 

Too late I softly answer now : 
"Yes, papa has a weary head !" 



37 



THE PROMISE OF MORNING. 



XTbe :JBlue*Birfc's fllbessaae. 



QPRING is coming ! How do I know ? 
^ A little blue bird told me so ; 
It chirped and sung upon a tree, 
And this is what it said to me : 



"Spring is coming ! Days are longer, 
And the sun is shining stronger ; 
The winds blow from the south and west, 
And I am building here my nest. 



"The buds are sprouting, and the rills 
Are flowing down from all the hills ; 
The grass is growing green again, 
And daisies spangle all the plain. 



"Spring is coming ! In welcoming 
Like one great voice let Nature sing ; 
The warm, bright days will soon be here, 
The gladdest days of all the year !" 



38 



THE PLANTER OF A TREE. 



Ube planter ot a Uree. 



PAME'S laurel crowned him not ; alone 
* He lived and toiled through a long life ; 

Far from the world's harsh din and strife, 
He passed his days and died unknown. 



No soldier — statesman great — was he ; 
No poet singing songs divine, 
Nor artist in Fame's serried line, — 

He was the planter of a tree ! 

A tree whose wide, green branches made 
A shelter for the song-bird's nest ; 
A place where travellers might rest, 

And children play beneath its shade. 

To plant a tree is deed sublime ; 

Though dynasties and kingdoms fall, 
And weeds grow in the palace hall, 

It lives — a blessing for all time. 



39 



THE PROMISE OF MORNING. 



H IRtnt) 1KHor&- 

A BLOCK of marble, white and bare, 
**■ Without a line of beauty there, 
Or symmetry — uncut and rude, 
It loomed, ghost-like, in solitude. 



A sculptor came of genius grand, 

And hewed it with a cunning hand ; 

Lo ! from the block an angel came, 

Which brought the sculptor name and fame. 



A strip of canvas, black and gray, 
Unnoticed on an easel lay ; 
An artist came with brush and paint, 
And pictured there a pious saint. 



Down in a cavern, deep and dark, 
There shone a brilliant little spark 
The miners digging, found it, now 
It gleams upon a monarch's brow. 



40 



A KIND WORD. 

A weary heart was in despair, 
Weighed down by sorrow, sin and care ; 
A kind word fell, as soft and light 
As apple-blossom, pure and white. 

Within the stone, an angel lay, 

The picture was but canvas gray, 

The jewel sparkled far below, 

And these the world would never know 

But for the sculptor's cunning skill, 
The artist's and the miner's will ; 
And one kind word has power to win 
A wicked heart from pain and sin. 



Ah ! greater far than sculptor's art, 
Or picture rare in Europe's mart, 
Or diamond in the deepest mine, 
Is one kind word — it is Divine ! 



41 



THE PROMISE OF MORNING. 



H Mears Ibeart. 

\1 /HERE can the weary heart find rest ? 
* The world's applause, the trump of fame, 

Great riches, learning, rank and name, — 
Can these make their possessor blest ? 



Can these true rest and peace impart ? 
Nay ! all the wealth and pomp of kings 
Are foolish, vain and empty things ; — 

They cannot satisfy the heart ! 



In sorrow's hour, in care and grief, 
These cannot peace or joy afford ; 
But One there is, Our Blessed Lord, 

Who gives the weary heart relief. 

Oh heart, life-weary ! look above 

And pray for peace ; God will respond 
And send His angel from beyond 

With rest and everlasting love ! 



42 



THE RICH MAN'S PRAYER. 



Ube 1Ricb fl&an's prater. 



T SIGHED for fame — the magic spell 
*■ That holds the world in potent thrall, 
I longed in palace halls to dwell, 
With vassals at my beck and call. 



I longed for power, fame and gold, 

I prayed that God might send me wealth ; 

My plea was answered hundredfold, 
But still I lacked the boon of health. 



Though Fortune's favors in a shower 
Are poured upon me, still I fain 

Would give up all earth's gold and power 
To be possessed of health again ! 



43 



THE PROMISE OF MORNING. 



TTbe 5op of Spring 

r "FHERE is a feeling in the air 
* Of joy ineffable and rare ; 
Of life divine, of new-born day, 
And all the world seems bright and gay. 



From snow-crowned hills, across the plains, 
The brooks, no longer bound with chains 
Of ice, are singing blithe and free, 
As on they flow to kiss the sea. 

The sun is shining warm and bright, 
And all the trees that erst were white, 
Now hear blue birds and robins sing, 
And Nature smiles, for it is Spring. 

Oh heart ! let Spring and sunshine in, 
Break from the icy chains of sin ; 
Begin anew, and rise again 
To nobler effort — higher plane ! 



44 



A VIOLET. 



H Wolet. 



T T IGH on the mountain, bleak and gray, 
* * I found a flower on Spring's first day : 
A dainty bloom all small and frail, 
Rock-sheltered from the northern gale. 



There all forgotten and alone, 

Where nothing save the storm-king's moan 

Disturbs the silence, day or night, 

The wee flower grew upon the height. 



The modest little flower so blue 
Took from the sky its azure hue ; 
Unfolding there its heart of gold 
To heart of man that passed it cold. 



45 



THE PROMISE OF MORNING. 



H Xittle movb. 



A LITTLE word may strength impart, 
** And give fresh courage to the heart ; 
May soothe a smart and ease a pain, 
And bring back joy and peace again. 



A word in season, whispered low 
In friendly tone, may banish woe ; 
May calm the tumult in the breast, 
And lull each care and grief to rest. 



Ah ! could we know the subtle pow'r 
Of one kind word in sorrow's hour,, 
Then would we know the heart's relief, 
When sunlight breaks the clouds of grief. 



THE PHILOSOPHER. 



Zbc ©bilosopber. 



T T E watched the stars that shone on high, 
* * The planets rolling in the sky ; 
He scaled the snow-crowned mountain's height, 
The sea's dark depths he brought to light. 



He studied Nature and her laws, 
Of each effect he knew the cause ; 
Men were as puppets on a stage 
To this philosopher and sage. 



And yet his wisdom failed, when he 
Would solve his own soul's mystery ; 
With all his knowledge, lore and art, 
He could not fathom his own heart. 



+7 



THE PROMISE OF MORNING. 



ffate. 

THE house was packed from pit to dome, 
* With rich and poor, with youth and age ; 
The curtain (a street scene in Rome), 
Hid from the front the gaudy stage. 



A bell rang thrice — the house grew still, 
The play and author both were new ; 

The plot was of a hidden will 

Of which none but the villain knew. 



The will was found — the villain fled, 
The good young man and maiden sweet 

Were brought together, and were wed — 
The play was a success complete. 



And when the curtain fell, a shout 
Was heard from gallery and stall ; 

In vain the music "played them out," 
"Author ! author !" they cry and call. 



48 



FATE. 



But in a garret, cold and dark, 

The author lay — oh, mocking fate !- 

Dead of starvation, stiff and stark — 
Success had come, alas, too late ! 



49 



THE PROMISE OF MORNING. 



%ovc anfc Jfame. 



T DREAMT of fame's bright laurels twined 
* Around my brow, in youth's glad hours ; 
Now fame has come I wake to find 
The laurels are but fading flow'rs. 



What men call fame lives but a day, 
For one true heart I sigh and pine ; 

Love only cannot pass away — 
It is immortal and divine ! 



50 



A REFLECTION. 

H "Reflection* 

THE long bright day is done ; dark shadows 
*■ creep 
Across the wood-crowned hills ; the setting 
sun 
Fades in the west ; the birds have gone to sleep, 
And homeward now the happy children run. 

The cool west wind is soughing thro' the pine 
A lulling song of wordless, mystic love ; 

The white rose and the blossom on the vine 
Shine thro' the dusk obscure, like stars above. 

The air is filled with perfume, fresh and sweet, 
The laughing brook is singing as it flows ; 

The whip-poor-wills each other sadly greet, 
And over all the lucent moonlight glows. 

How beautiful earth is ! and yet we know 
All this is but a dim reflection given 

Of what we cannot dream of here below, 

But which, in God's time, we shall see in 
heaven. 



5i 



THE PROMISE OF MORNING. 



passion's Slave* 



\f INGS were his vassals, and his days 

*^ Were glad with triumphs won in strife ; 

No want unsatisfied, his life 
Was sweet with homage and men's praise. 



He ruled the world ; men great and brave 
Were proud to do his royal will ; 
His word was law, yet he was still 

To his own passions, a weak slave. 



52 



JOHN BOYLE O'REILLY. 



Sohn Bople ©'IReills. 

"Number 9843." 

"1VIINETY-EIGHT hundred, forty-three"- 

*■ ^ Simply a number, that is all ; 
A man without identity, 

Buried behind a prison wall. 

Though life itself might be the price, 

For race and liberty he gave 
His freedom as a sacrifice, 

And wore the stripes of convict slave. 

But sure as tides and planets roll, 
A brave m air's courage will not fail ; 

No chain can hold his godlike soul, 
Nor jailer's lash his spirit quail. 

Fate could not conquer soul so grand, 
Though all her favors she denied ; 

He broke his chains and sought the land 
Where Freedom's banner floats in pride. 



53 



THE PROMISE OF MORNING. 

He lit Truth's fires, pleaded the cause 
Of human rights with voice and pen 

Resistance to the tyrant's laws 

He taught his race and fellowmen. 

In the new world he found his place, 
The nujnber won renown and fame, 

And men of every creed and race 
Now honor Boyle O'Reilly's name ! 



54 



THE PRICE OF FAME. 



ZTbe price ot jfame. 

A H, once I longed for Fame's bright wreath 
** Of laurel, on my brow ; 
And little dreamt the pain beneath 

The crown, nor thought of how 
Much happiness to gain a name 
Must e'er be sacrificed for fame. 

I little thought the prize I sought, 

The gift for which I pined, 
Is ever by the poet bought 

By loss, and peace of mind ; 
Among the crowd I stand apart 
With sensitive and lonely heart. 

Deep in the woods, beside the streams, 

Beneath a spreading tree, 
With birds and flowers and bright dreams, 

There only I am free. 
Far from the city's noise and heat 
I find sweet rest and joy complete. 



55 



THE PROMISE OF MORNING. 



H 5une 1Rose. 

A LL blossomed earth's completeness, 
**■ Its flowers of varied hue, 
Can ne'er compare in sweetness 
With a June rose fresh with dew. 

It tells of hope abiding 

In the young and happy heart ; 
It breathes of love confiding, 

Where sorrow bears no part. 

O type of life unfolding, 

With never earthly stain, 
We feel, its heart beholding, 

It has not bloomed in vain. 



56 



THE OLD SCHOOL HOUSE 



TTbe Oifc Scbool Ibouse. 

THE fence is broken — tall weeds grow 
* Along the unfrequented way, 
Which led up to the school-house door, 
Where happy children loved to play. 

The battered door swings to and fro, 
The plaything of each wanton gust ; 

The lock is broken, and the bell 

Hangs silent — covered o'er with rust. 

The children singing in the school, 
The passer-by no longer hears ; 

For all are scattered wide, and some 
Are in the grave these many years. 

The pretty teacher's voice is still, 
The flowers grow above her breast ; 

We teased her, yet she loved us all — 
She has been twenty years at rest ! 



57 



THE PROMISE OF MORNING 

Those were my happy days, yet I 
Was all unconscious of my joy ; 

I know it now, and vainly wish 
I was again at school a boy ! 



58 



THE MASK. 



XTbe /l&asfe, 

]\ /I EN called him saint ; they could not see, 
* " *• That with a cloak of virtue, he 
Concealed an impure heart, the while 
He smiled ; they knew not he was vile. 



One night Death came and tore the mask 
From off his countenance. Friends ask : 
"Who is it ? " shrinking as they trace 
The devil's likeness in his face. 



59 



THE PROMISE OF MORNING. 



flDemorial Ba£* 

jVTO North, no South— together blend 

* ^ The Blue and Gray — the stars above ; 

As brothers, we in concord bend 

With homage to sweet peace and love ; 
And hand in hand, akin, we feel 
The fire of patriotic zeal. 

The slave from bondage now is free ; 

The grand old banner is unfurled ; 
It is the flag of liberty, 

A symbol to the whole, wide world 
Of "peace on earth, good will to men," 
Made possible by Lincoln's pen. 

The men who for their country bled 
Are not forgotten ; on each grave 

Flowers are scattered o'er the dead, 
Who died to free the shackled slave ; 

From sea to sea, on hill and plain, 

Is heard the sound of martial strain. 



60 



MEMORIAL DAY. 

O may our flag forever float 

Upon the breeze, a beacon-light 

To distant isles and lands remote ; 
A star of freedom shining bright 

To guide the exile to a land 

Where men as brethren equal stand ! 



61 



THE PROMISE OF MORNING. 



fflaa of the Brave an& jfree, 

THE heart is cold that will not glow 
* With patriotic zeal 
This day of days ; then let us show 
The loyalty we feel. 

O let the banner float unfurled, 
Flag of the brave and free ; 

Proclaiming to the wide, wide world 
That here reigns Liberty ! 



62 



'SHE MADE HOME HAPPY. 



"5be flDafce *>ome 1bapp£." 

"O HE made home happy ! " These few words 
^ I read 

Within a churchyard, written on a stone ; 
No name, no date, the simple words alone 
Told me the story of the unknown dead ; 
A marble column lifted high its head 

Close by, inscribed to one the world has 

known ; 
But ah ! that lonely grave with moss o'er 
grown 
Thrilled me far more than his who armies led. 

"She made home happy !" Through the long, sad 
years 
The mother toiled, and never stopped to rest 
Until they crossed her hands upon her breast, 

And closed her eyes, no longer dim with tears. 
The simple record that she left behind, 
Was grander than the soldier's, to my mind. 



6 3. 



THE PROMISE OF MORNING. 



TTfoe %ulUb£. 

| HEARD a song — a song that thrilled my 
1 heart, 

Though I have heard fair Patti and the rest 
Of all the world's sweet singers. On the 
breast 
Of a young mother in a gypsy's cart 
There lay a black-eyed baby ; without art, 
Untrained, as is the wild bird's song at best, 
Was the sweet voice that crooned the child to 
rest, 
And soothed my pain, cooling my heart's hot 
smart. 

No song of earth nor yet of heaven above, 
Nor melody, nor human voice, nor bird, 
Nor instrument that mortal ever heard, 

Was like that, mother's voice, attuned by love. 
The angels tarried in their flight to hear 
The simple song, for certes, heaven was near. 



6 4 



M 



REST. 



1Rest, 



Y heart is tired to-night— 1 long for rest 



Amid the dust, the toil, the pleasures 
fleet, 
The noise and traffic of the crowded street, 
The passing stranger's laugh and thoughtless 

jest, 
The parting with each friend, greeting each 
guest, 
The true and false hearts that I daily meet, 
(So many false, alas!) death seems more sweet 
Than life, when I am troubled and opprest. 

Ah, God ! what joy to rest where all is still 
In some green-wooded valley, where the bird 
And cricket's happy songs alone are heard 
Above the music of the laughing rill, 

And soughing of the pines with scented 

breath ; 
Peace, rest, heaven — these are thy gifts, () 
Death ! 



65 



THE PROMISE OF MORNING. 



H Cbanaeless ffrienfc, 

T AM thy friend through good report and ill ; 
-* Through loss of fortune, trouble, grief and 
pain ; 
Through days of sunshine and in storm and 
rain, 
Thy joy shall be my joy ; my heart shall thrill 
With sadness for thy woe ; my eyes shall fill 
With tears to soothe thy grief ; oh, I would 

fain 
All thy perplexing cares unravel plain ; 
Success or failure, I am thy friend still. 

If thou through human weakness err, if shame 
Be of thy portion, fickle fortune frown, 
The world forsake thee, be not thou cast down, 

For, come what will, I still shall be the same ; 
As changeless as the sea unto the end, 
Through all eternity I am thy friend ! 



66 



THE IDEAL. 



Zbc ffceal 



\I 7E are unsatisfied, and know not why ; 
* ' We seek for the ideal of our dreams, 
And strive to reach it guided by the beams 

Of truth and faith. Setting our standard high, 

We struggle on ; but when the prize is nigh, 
We find that it eludes us, and it seems 
To beckon onward, mocking with its gleams, 

Like some bright mirage in the eastern sky. 

With eyes blind to the glory here below, 

Our thoughts forever turned away from earth, 
We see no beauty round us, and the worth 

Hidden in humble things we never know. 
We grope, and pass unheeding on the way 
The good that we are seeking day by day. 



67 



THE PROMISE OF MORNING. 



/Memorial 2>as, 



'"TO-DAY the nation mourns her martyred dead, 
* And scatters flowers on the soldier's grave 
Who in the battle gave his life to save 
His country's unity ; who fought and bled 
To win our victory ; whose blood was shed 
To give a race their birthright — free the 

slave — 
That over all the land one flag might wave — 
One God, one law, one ruler at the head. 



Fearless they bore the hail of shot and shell, 
The roar of cannon and the clash of steel, 
And saw the wounded crushed by ruthless 
wheel, 
Yet faltered not, but like brave men, they fell. 
Cover the graves where these true heroes lie 
With flowers — angel's tears dropped from the 
sky. 



68 



'THIS, TOO, WILL PASS AWAY.'' 



"Ubis, XToo, 1PGUU pass Bwas-" 

\\ 7E long for something in our selfish pride, 
^ ™ Perhaps a bauble that may glitter bright, 
Some foolish thing we think is good and 
right 
For us to have ; and though God may decide 
That it is best that we should be denied, 
We murmur at His will ; our sin-blind sight, 
Impatient, cannot see it in His light, 
And so we spend our lives unsatisfied. 



In ev'ry life there must be light and shade, 
And joy and sorrow. A jewel in the dark 
Will shine as in the sun, a quenchless spark, 

Emblem of hope whose light shall never fade. 
O heart, be strong ! though it may storm to- 
day, 
Be patient, and "this, too, will pass away ! " 



69 



THE PROMISE OF MORNING. 



Ube Captive Bagle. 

T SAW a captive eagle in a cage ; 
* It beat its wings against the bars in vain, 
And chafed and fretted at the snake-like 
chain 
Coiled round its feet, till spent with pain and 
rage, 
The poor bird, struggling, gave a plaintive 

cry, 
And drooped its head as though it fain would 
die, 
While high upon a storm-swept mountain's 

crest, 
A lone pine tree guards a deserted nest. 

Ah ! thought I then of one life-weary heart, 
The sport and toy of fortune and of chance, 
In bondage held, and chained by circumstance, 

Like that poor captive eagle, far apart 

From home and kindred, struggling hopelessly 
With cruel Fate, and longing to be free. 



70 



NEW BATES HALL. 



Hew Bates tmll. 

TT ERE in the silence of this lofty hall, 

* * The scholar o'er the classic page may pore ; 

The secrets of the past, the ancient lore 
Of vanished empires, nations rise and fall, 
The prophet's inspirations, he may call 

His very own ; his thoughtful mind may soar 
Thro' realms of fancy, or the stars explore, 
Or range at will this terrestrial ball. 

Thro' the tall casements the bright sunlight 
gleams ; 
From noise and tumult that lay waste the 

mind, 
The student here repose and peace may find , 
The poet and the seer dream noble dreams ; 
The scholar knowledge — armor for the strife ; 
The seeker learn the truth of higher life. 



THE PROMISE OF MORNING. 



JSalboa. 

OALBOA sailed a thousand leagues of sea, 
*-* Pierced forest depths and scaled the moun- 
tain high, 
With his small band, beneath a torrid sky ; 
And when alone he reached the summit, he 
With hands uplifted, and on bended knee, 
Saw the Pacific spread before his eye, 
His lips gave utterance to one glad cry : 
"In God's name, for Spain's king, do I claim 
thee ! " 

He was the highest type of pioneer ; 

He conquered obstacles by strength of will, 
And though beset with difficulties, still 

With a brave heart he toiled on without fear, 
And having faith he won. Through well or 

in, 

Thus we must like Balboa persevere. 



7^ 



THE POET IS A TEACHER. 



Zhe poet is a tXeacbec. 

THE poet is a teacher ! to the heart 
* Of man he sings of hope. A beacon light 
He guides men from despair and gloom of 
night 
To day eternal. By his matchless art 
The weary toiler in the busy mart 

May see beyond earth's narrow bounds the 

bright 
And holy country veiled from mortal sight, 
And he in heaven's joy may have a part. 

The poet is a teacher ! like the bird 

Trilling its cheerful lay, he heeds nor cares 
Not who may hear ; his song may unawares 

Soothe aching hearts by music's power stirred : 
Give sense of truth and beauty to blind eyes, 
Or help, lost souls, perchance, win Paradise. 



7;> 



THE PROMISE OF MORNING. 



Ube flDuse. 

'""THOU fickle jade ! I seek thee far and wide, 
* But still dost thou elude me ; when I fain 
Would have thee near, I seek thee all in 
vain ; 
O tell me, gentle muse, where dost thou hide ? 
Betimes I fancy thou art by my side, 
I hear thee softly chanting a refrain, 
But ah ! the words escape my throbbing 
brain ; 
Tell me, fair maid, why dost thou me deride ? 

Thy sweet companionship didst I not prize 

Above all else ? Then tell me, why so shy ? 

(Here naughty little Cupid standing by, 
Looked up and said, with laughing, mocking 
eyes : 

"Thy muse ill brooks a rival near her throne ; 

The heart she loveth must be all her own ! ") 



74 



JOY AND PAIN. 



3os an& pain. 

TF there was never any storm or rain, 
*■ Fair days would cease to be so rare and 
sweet ; 
It is when fainting on the dusty street 
We mind us of the woods ; ah ! then we fain 
Would rest among the shadows once again. 
We long for winter ; when the wild storms 

beat 
Upon our heads, we pine for summer's heat ; 
There is no joy without some loss or pain. 

To take life as we find it, is the art 
Of living well. Ah ! let us not forget 
Though life be dark to-day, there may be yet 

When summer comes, much joy for each sad 
heart. 
Perhaps God sends us trouble as a test, 
To see if it will prove us at our best. 



75 



THE PROMISE OF MORNING. 



pusses plea. 

|\TOW is the winter of my discontent : 

* When summer comes, and all the world is 

With Nature's smile, my mistress hies 
away 
To fields and pastures new, while I am pent 
In backyards lone and empty. Weak and spent 
From lack of food, I prowl by night and day 
O'er fence and gate, and howl my doleful lay, 
But there is none to heed a cat's lament ! 

Sad is my lot ! why was I born a cat ! 

My lady's ugly poodle takes his nap 

On some hotel piazza in her lap ; 
Without a care he feasts and waxes fat 

The summer long. Please, friends, now have 
the grace 

To plead the cause of my ill-treated race ! 



76 



RECONCILIATION. 



R 



^conciliation. 



EPENTANT, weak and weary, Christ, this 
night 

I kneel beneath Thy cross. O ! I would fain 
Be spotless in Thy sight — as free from stain 
And guile as angels are in realms of light ; 
Thou knowest that I struggle to do right ; 
Thou knowest that I yearn to be again 
Thy loving child ; but sick and faint with 
pain 
Sin conquers in the fierce, unequal right ! 



All this Thou knowest, Christ ! and now I pray 
For courage to be steadfast in the strife ; 
For strength to bear the burdens of my life ; 

For guidance as I walk the narrow way ; 
O listen to the prayer of Thy lost child, 
My Father, that we may be reconciled ! 



THE PROMISE OF MORNING. 



Oetbsemane. 

'"TO the cool garden of Gethsemane, 
* At midnight Jesus came, that He might 
pray 
For strength to bear the sorrow of the day 
So near at hand. "O Father, help Thou Me ! 
Forsake Me not ; strengthen My constancy 
In that dread hour when I man's debt must 

pay; 
Help Me to bear My cross that on the way 
I may not fall. O Father, hear My plea ! " 

Forth from the clouds there shone a ray of light, 
And Jesus gazing upward, saw appear 
One of God's holy angels drawing near, 

Bearing a message of good cheer. The sight 
Renewed His faith and courage. "Bless Thy 

Son, 
O Father ! Not My will but Thine be done ! " 



78 



UNBELIEF. 



xanbelict 

[ ORD, help Thou me ! O haste to my relief. 

*— ' Touch Thou mine eyes, sin-blind, that I 

may see 

The beauty of Thy face. Lord, show Thou 

me 

The way of truth. Against the storm-swept 

reef 
My ship so frail must surely come to grief 
Without Thy guiding hand. Star of the sea, 
With faith in Thee, my Pilot Thou shall be. 
Lord, I believe ; help Thou mine unbelief ! 

The road I tread is long — the path is steep ; 

I blindly grope, like one bereft of sight ; 

I stumble, crying, "God, is there no light ? 
No hope beyond ? " Out of the lowest deep 

I cry — "Lord, I believe ; O help Thou me ! " 

The, clouds part, and the cross of Christ I see. 



79 



THE PROMISE OF MORNING. 



H Cry from tbe 2)eptbs. 

r\ FATHER ! all unworthy of Thy care, 
^-^ Thy love and bounty, here I kneel to 
Thee, 
And cry for pardon ! Hearken to my plea ; 
Thou knowest my temptations, and I dare 
To lift my voice to Thee, my God, in prayer ; 
To ask Thy help Divine, that I may be 
Steadfast and strong ; that I may clearly see 
The right from wrong, and shun the tempter's 
snare. 

"Lead, kindly Light ! V When I in darkness 
grope, 
And wander from Thee, Father, far astray, 
And blindly stumble on life's thorny way, 
Then may the guiding beacon-light of hope 
Lead me aright. O listen while I plead 
From out the depths, and succor Thou my 
need ! 



So 



WHEN THE SUN SHINES. 



Hdben tbe Sun Sbines- 

THE day was dark and dreary, overcast 
* With clouds that veiled the beauty of God's 
smile ; 
They gathered in a huge, fantastic pile, 
And took strange shapes ; then melting, floated 

past 
Out to the void beyond, unknown and vast ; 
Like a retreating army, file and file, 
And rank and rank, they disappear, the while 
The day grew fair — the sun shone bright at last ! 

Just so with life — sometimes the heart is sad, 
And filled with dark forebodings, and with 

pain ; 
There is no joy in living — life seems vain ; 

And then the sun shines and the heart is £lad, 
And with new hope and courage we begin 
Our life anew, determined we shall win ! 



Si 



THE PROMISE OF MORNING. 



TLbc fl>£Ster£ of pain. 

O AD heart, be strong ! The sun is shining still 
^ Behind the clouds that hide the fair blue 
sky; 
We must not seek to know the reason why 
We suffer pain ; the loving Father's will 
Through well or ill, without a doubt or sigh 
We must accept as good for us and best, 
For ah ! sometimes He tries us hard to test 
Our love and faith, but He is ever nigh ! 



Oh, help us, God ! be with us through the day, 
And all the long, dark night ! We have no 

fear, 
But trust Thee, knowing Thou art ever near ; 

Hear us, O Father, as we humbly pray ! 

And when Thy crown of patience we attain, 
Then we shall know the mystery of pain. 



82 



THE DIGNITY OF LABOR. 



Ube BianitE of Xabor. 

HTHE master of a trade may proudly sing : 
* "I am a power on the earth, and earn 
The right to call myself a man. I turn 
The wheel of progress, and I feel a king 
Among the useless drones. The shame and 
sting 
Of charity I know not, for I learn 
To use my gifts. The highest plane I yearn 
To reach, to merit all that life may bring." 

"Who earns not, steals his dinner," thus the old 
Proverb runs. We may labor with the heart, 
If not with hand and brain. In every part 

The world is full of agony untold, 

That cannot be assuaged by all the gold 

Of earth ; and yet, a kindness done may start 
The tears that soothe all pain — may pluck the 
•dart 

From festered wound, which else might keep its 
hold. 



83 



THE PROMISE OF MORNING. 

All honor to the brown and skillful hand, 
The swell of muscle and the nerve like steel, 
That conquers obstacles, that turns the wheel 

Of progress round ; they cultivate the land, 

And build the mighty temples, vast and grand ; 
They labor for the good and common weal 
Of all mankind, and bear the royal seal 

Of mighty labor's independent band. 



&1 



FROM LOWEST DEPTHS. 



jfrom Xowest Deptbs. 

T^EMPTATIONS, like gaunt wolves, tear at 
■* my breast ; 
They howl and snarl and will not let me rest ; 
I turn and flee, but still they follow me — 
Oh, God, have mercy — pity me ! 

I struggle hard, but fast as with a chain 
The white wolves hold me captive, and again 
They draw me back to cruel slavery— 
Oh, God, have mercy — pity me ! 



Through the long watches of the gloom of night 
I toss and moan, but still they haunt my sight ; 
They torture — mock my pain and misery — 
Oh, God, have mercy — pity me ! 



For one brief hour, perchance, they fall behind ; 
And I, exulting, and with peace of mind, 
Breathe free, when lo ! the pack comes hurriedly — 
Oh, God, have mercy — pity me ! 



85 



THE PROMISE OF MORNING. 

In vain — in vain ! they will not leave their prey ; 
They follow step by step, through night and 

day, 
Watching, if I of Hope forsaken be — 
Oh, God, have mercy — pity me ! 

Panting, with foam-flecked mouths and burning 

breath, 
They follow close, like vultures scenting death ; 
Out from the lowest depths I cry to Thee, 
Oh, God, have mercy — pity me ! 



86 



THE FOURTH WATCH. 



Ube jfourtfo Match. 

A SHIP storm-tossed at sea — aery 
** Of men in fear, and then a voice, — 
"Be of good cheer, for it is I ! " 

They hear the Master and rejoice. 
Then Peter calls, "Lord, is it Thou ? " 

And Jesus, walking on the sea 
Appears, a halo round His brow, 

And thus He answers, "Come to Me ! " 

The Master reaches forth His hands : 

"Come out and walk upon the wave ! " 
But, doubting, the disciple stands, 

Till Jesus cries, "Can I not save ? " 
And' Peter, trembling, pale with fear, 

Goes forward, and they hear him shout, 
"Lord, help me, or I perish here ! " 

And Tesus answers, "Thou did'st doubt!'' 



87 



THE PROMISE OF MORNING. 

O ye of little faith ! God's love 

Is strong to save, though dark the night ; 
He rules the tempest from above, 

And we are ever in His sight. 
And though we ask and are denied, 

Perhaps He means it for a test ; 
Have faith ; no matter what betide, 

Trust God, for He knows what is best. 

Sometimes we ask for what is wrong, 

But God, Who knows how all things end, 
Bids us be patient — before long 

He proves to us He is our Friend. 
But if, while tossing on life's sea, 

The heart grows faint, then we may cry, 
And God will answer to our plea, 

"Be not afraid, for I am nigh ! " 



88 



LIFE'S GALILEE. 



Xife's Galilee. 

T'HE fishers cried : "Christ, come and save ! 
* Exposed within their little bark 
They tossed upon the stormy wave. 

Out in the tempest, drear and dark ; 
But when Christ walked upon the sea, 
Hushed were the waves of Galilee. 

We see Thee not, Almighty One ! 

We hear, O God ! no voice of Thine — 
Yet in life's storm and stress we own 

And feel there is a voice divine: 
Our trembling faith looks up to Thee, 
And all is calm on Galilee ! 

Be Thou the Pilot at the helm, 

A faithful compass and a chart, 
To guide to Thine eternal realm, 

The weak and ever-wandering heart, 
There to be near and like to Thee, 
Thou saving One of Galilee. 



89 



THE PROMISE OF MORNING. 



Bfflictiom 

\I 7E are Thy children, God of love, 
* ' Else we might shrink from Thee and 
cower, 
Did not Thy promise from above 
Afford us comfort for this hour. 

May Thou to all, O Lord, impart 

Calm resignation to Thy will ; 
And teach the mourner's breaking heart 

To love, adore and trust Thee still ! 



90 



OUT OF THE DEPTHS. 



<S>ut ot tbe 2>eptbs< 



FEATHER, forgive me ! I am weak ; 
* Through all the day 
Thou knowest that I grope and seek 
To find the way. 



Thou knowest that my heart is right, 

It is my will 
That is not strong enough to light — 

To cope with ill. 

Thou knowest all my thoughts — each sin 

Within my soul ; 
O Father, give me strength to win 

The victor's goal ! 

And teach me — I have much to learn, 

For as the night 
My way is dark ; O God, I yearn 

For knowledge — light ! 



9» 



THE PROMISE OF MORNING. 

And I have wandered far astray, 

So blind am I ; 
Lord, guide me to the narrow way, 

hear my cry ! 

And help me, Lord, in all my care, 

The road is long ; 
The cross is heavy that I bear — 

1 am not strong. 

For Thee I gladly bear my cross ; 

The thought is sweet, 
That we may lay all pain and loss 

At Thy dear feet. 

It is through weakness I have erred ; 

Thou, God, art just ; 
And though Thy answer be deferred 

Still we may trust. 



92 



TRUST. 



ZIrust. 



FEATHER ! The cross is heavy that I bear, 

* With grief and care ; 

Oh, lift the burden, for I am not strong, 

The way is long ; 
The path is steep ; like one bereft of sight, 

Without the light 
To guide my path, I stumble and I grope 

Without a hope. 

Where art Thou, Lord ? I look with yearning 
eyes, 
Beyond the skies ; 
Lo ! The clouds part — -the sun shines [bright 
and clear : 
"Child, I am here ! 
Hast thou no faith ? Why didst thou not be- 
lieve ? 
Can I deceive ? 
Give me thy hand ! Remember that thou must 
Thy Father trust ! " 



93 



THE PROMISE OF MORNING. 



Strengtb for Weaft *>earts< 



O TRENGTH for weak hearts ! God, we pray 
^ For strength and courage thro' the day ; 
That we may battle for the right, 
And be the victors in the fight. 



Give strength of purpose and of will 
To cope with every earthly ill ; 
That we may hope, and trust Thy love. 
And in all trials look above. 

Oh, help us all our burdens bear, 
And make us strong to do and dare ; 
To aid our neighbors in distress, 
That so our lives may others bless ! 



94 



THE STAR OF BETHLEHEM 



Zhc Star of JBetfolebem. 

A CROSS the waste of sand they go, 
**■ Three travelers from lands afar ; 
They toil along with footsteps slow, 
And watch the heavens for the star. 

The night is dark, the way is long, 
And they have precious treasure rare 

Not knowing whither right or wrong, 
They search the heavens in despair. 

"Now rest us here this night," said one, 
But his companions would not stay, 

"For if we halt we are undone, 

We must press on without delay ! " 

But look— oh rapture ! shining clear 
And radiant, they see on high 

A welcome sight which calms their fear- 
A bright star moving in the sky ! 



95 



THE PROMISE OF MORNING 

With hope renewed, and fear at rest, 

They follow into Bethlehem ; 
And find the Child on Mary's breast, 

The King without a diadem. 

When in the desert of this life, 

With fainting hearts we toil and grope, 

Through all its darkness, care and strife, 
Look for the Christian's Star of Hope. 

Though we may wander far and wide 

Through darkest night, the thought is sweet, 

The blessed Star of Hope will guide 
The lost one to Babe Jesus' feet. 



96 



THY BEST. 



ZTfoE Best 



DEFORE God's footstool, to confess 
*-* A poor soul knelt, and bowed his head 
"I failed ! " he wailed. The Master said : 
"Thou didst thy best — that is success ! " 



97 



THE PROMISE OF MORNING. 



Hn Offering, 

'""THEY came, the Wise Men, from afar- 
* Their only guide a moving star — 
With precious gifts, an offering 
Unto their Lord, the new born King. 

They found a peasant mother mild, 
And on her breast a little Child ; 
With faith they knelt upon the ground, 
Assured that He they sought was found. 

An offering, O Lord, I make, 
Of all my life, for Thy dear sake ; 
Make Thou my path of duty plain, 
And my vocation now sustain. 

On Thy poor servant, look Thou down, 
My gift with kind acceptance crown ; 
Reject it not, but let me be 
A living witness, Lord, for Thee ! 



AN OFFERING. 



To Thee, my God, I give my heart, 
Renew it, and Thy grace impart ; 
The pride of life I now resign, 
Accept my gift — this heart of mine ! 



99 



THE PROMISE OF MORNING. 



Cross anfc drown. 

A HEAVY cross we bear through life, 
*■• A cross of care, temptation, strife, 
A cross of struggle, sin and pain, 
Of petty worry, toil and strain. 

But with the cross that weighs us down, 
There is for all a golden crown ; 
A crown of glory, peace and love 
That saints and angels wear above. 



IOO 



TO-DAY IS BORN FOR US A KING. 

Uo-Das is 38orn for Ills a toln$. 

/^ JESAK Augustus in his pride, 
^* Sent through the world a high decree, 
That all in his dominions wide, 
Should be enrolled and pay a fee. 

And up from Galilee there came 

Young Joseph and his bride, to pay 

The tribute-tax in Caesar's name, 

But night o'ertook them on the way. 

The inn at Bethlehem was small, 
That Joseph sought at eventide ; 

There was no shelter but a stall 
Within a stable, for his bride. 

To carry out God's great design, 
There in that stable, low, obscure, 

The Son of God, with love Divine, 
Was born of Virgin Mary pure. 

And shepherds watching in the night, 
Saw in the heavens o'er the hill, 

A host of angels, fair and bright, 

Who sang of "Peace on earth — good will." 



THE PROMISE OF MORNING. 

"Glad tidings of great joy we bring, 
For Christ is born, but have no fear ; 

He comes not as an earthly king, 
But as a loving Saviour dear." 

Three prophets came from lands afar, 
To Bethlehem with presents rare ; 

And guided by the moving star, 

They found Christ in a manger there. 

We cannot bring Him myrrh and gold, 
Nor jewels, but we may at least 

Bring that which Christ will dearer hold- 
A joyous heart to this great feast. 

The whole earth joins in one great voice 
As chorus while the angels sing : 

"Good-will and peace to men ; rejoice, 
To-day is born for us a King ! " 



THE LOWLY GIFT. 



ZTbe Xowls Gift. 

PVVO beasts of burden saw one night 

* A wondrous sight ; 
A peasant-mother, pale, forlorn, 
With Child new-born. 

The narrow stable, damp and old 
Was dark and cold : 
The Infant waking, moaned and cried 
For warmth denied. 

Then to the manger without fear 

The beasts drew near ; 

And with their breath they warmed the Child 

And mother mild. 



103 



THE PROMISE OF MORNING. 



jfatbcr anfc Gofc. 

T^HOU art my Father, and my Friend, 
* Yet Thou art God, O Love Divine ! 
Without beginning, without end, 

Still I am Thine, and Thou art mine. 

The universe is in Thy hand, 

The planets, stars, the earth and sea 
Obedient to Thy command, 

Shall one day perish — cease to be ; 

Though stars and planets cease to roll, 
The mighty force that men call death 

Shall have no power o'er my soul, 
For that, O Father, is Thy breath. 

I am a sinner, Thou art God, 

Yet I may dare to call Thee still 

My Father. Lord, I kiss Thy rod, 
And humbly bow unto Thy will ! 



104 



EASTER DAWN. 



Easter H>awn. 

"The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene 
early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre." 
(John 20. 1.) 

'"THE stars were fading ; all the eastern sky 
* Was one long line of silver, and the night 

Dissolved itself like evil in the light. 
Poor Mary, faint with sorrow, hurried by 
The place her Lord and Master lay ; a cry 
Broke from her pallid lips when on her sight 
The tomb yawned empty ; and, in great affright, 
She felt the earth shake, and she turned to fly. 

An angel stood beside her : "Stay not here, 
But go — tell His disciples what you see, 
For Christ is risen ! " And Mary's heart was 
free 

From all its pain. A stranger then drew near, 

And kindly spoke to her : "Be of good cheer : 
I am the Master ; tell them you saw me, 
And if they seek, I am in Galilee ; 

Be not afraid, for there is naught to fear ! " 



105 



THE PROMISE OF MORNING. 

"Be not afraid ! " 'Twas Christ Himself Who 
said 
These words so fraught with love. This 

Easter day 
Our hearts give thanks and praise ; and though 
the way 
Be dark and long, and joy from us hath fled, 
We cry that Thou wilt help us, Thou Whose 
head 
Men crowned with piercing thorns ; we plead 

and pray 
That Thou wilt not allow our feet to stray, 
But lead us right, for we would fain be led. 

O Thou Who suffered death upon the cross 
That we might live, Thou knowest we are 

weak, 
That day by day we blindly grope and seek 

For light and truth ; Thou knowest what is dross 

And worthless in us ; Thou seest through the 
gloss 
That hides deceit ; O let Thy Spirit speak 
And manifest Itself, and make us meek 

To bear, for Thy dear sake, all pain and loss! 



1 06 



AN EASTER LEGEND. 



Hn Easter Xeaenfc. 

A SPOTLESS lily of the fields 
**• Is crushed to earth by ruthless feet ; 
And all its precious fragrance sweet 
Out on the air it freely yields. 

The sacred body of the Lord 

Is bruised and torn by cruel nails ; 

His head sinks low, His strength now fails 

They pierce His side with poisoned sword. 

The mourners take the body now 

Down from the cross. With tender grace 
One stoops to kiss the Master's face, 

And binds the lily on His brow. 

The lily in the morning bright, 
Revives again, and Jesus sleeps ; 
The flower patient vigil keeps 

Until the dawn of Easter light. 



[07 



THE PROMISE OF MORNING. 

Two women hurry through the gloom, 
But He, the Master, is not there ; 
They find the flower-message fair 

That Jesus left within the tomb. 



10S 



EASTER GREETING. 



Easter Greeting, 



A N Easter greeting, friend, to-day 
**■ I send ; O may 
It be for thee sun-bright and fair 
And free from care. 



And if thou canst, friend, try and make, 
For Christ's dear sake, 
Some sad one's Easter glad and gay 
This happy day ! 



109 



THE PROMISE OF MORNING. 



Gbrist is IRfsen. 

THE angels hail this holy morn, 
* And gladness on the earth is born, 

For Christ the Lord is risen ; 
The tomb is empty where He lay, 
The heavy stone is rolled away 

From Death's cold dreary prison. 

The Captive now at last is free, 
And on His way to Galilee, 

The ransom He has paid ; 
The women seek Him in the gloom, 
And find the angel at the tomb, 

And they are sore afraid. 

He speaks to them : "Nay, do not fear, 
Your Lord and Master is not here, 

The welcome news now spread. 
Go — tell it far, and tell it wide, 
Through all the land, that Christ Who died 

Is risen from the dead ! " 



THE EYE OF GOD. 



"Zhc Bpe of 6o0." 

JpvOWN on a yellow pool a ray 

*-* Of moonlight shone one summer night ; 

The reptiles in its depths at play 

Shrank from the pure, bright ray of light. 

Deep in the darkness of their lair 
They burrowed in the slime below ; 

Like guilty souls they could not bear 

"The eye of God's" clear, searching glow. 

The pool, untroubled, settled clear, 

The moon shone on its surface bright ; — 

When God looks in our hearts, with fear 
Our evil thoughts thus shrink from sight. 



THE PROMISE OF MORNING 



Y\ 7ITH gratitude, O God, we praise 
" " Thy holy name to-day, and raise 

Our hearts to Thee ; 
For all Thy gifts sent from above, 
For life and strength, for trust and Love, 

For Liberty ; 

For summer days, for smiles and tears, 
For all our joys and hopes and fears, 

For storm and fair ; 
For toil and weariness and rest ; 
For sleep ; for strength to bear the test 

Of pain and care ; 

For food and raiment, and increase 
Of harvest plenty, and for peace, 

On earth good-will ; 
Oh God, our Father, we this day 
Give thanks for all, and now we pray 

Be with us still ! 



FOR ALL THAT NEVER CAN BE TOLD. 



ffor HU Hbat IRevet can be Uolfc. 

\\ 7E thank Thee, Lord, for pain and care, 
* For the unanswered, selfish prayer 
We offered up in wicked pride — 
We bless Thee that it was denied ! 

We thank Thee for each grief and loss, 
For trial, and life's heavy cross ; 
For strength to bear it cheerfully ; 
For faith and trust, dear Lord, in Thee ! 

We thank 1 hee for the grace to take 
The cup of sorrow for Thy sake ; 
To wear the crown of thorns, and still 
Submit in all things to Thy will ! 

We thank Thee for life's pleasures sweet, 
For raiment, drink and goodly meat ; 
For shelter from the storm and cold, 
For all that never can be told ! 



"3 



THE PROMISE OF MORNING. 

For loyal friendship, and for love, 
For death, and hope of life above, 
For everything, dear Lord, we pray 
And bless Thee this Thanksgiving Day ! 



THANKSGIVING. 



TTbanfesaivung. 

\17E thank Thee, Father, for Thy care, 
^ * For countless blessings that we share 
For all life's trials, pains and pleasures, 
And all its labors and its treasures ! 

We thank Thee for Thy blessed light, 
The sun by day, the moon by night ; 
For summer's heat and winter's blast, 
For gloom and shadows o'er us cast ; 

For hearts with love for Thee imbued, 
For tongues to speak our gratitude ; 
For all Thy blessings from above, 
For everything we owe Thy love ; 

For restful slumber and the gleams 

Of Paradise we see in dreams ; 

For hope that ever upward springs 

To Thee, O God, on Faith's strong wings ; 



"5 



THE PROMISE OF MORNING. 



For peace and plenty — grace untold, 
And blessings rich and manifold ; 
Our thanks and praises now are given 
To Thee, O Father, Lord of Heaven ! 



1 16 



THE MARTYRED DEAD. 



Ubc flDartprefc H>eafc. 

\1 7E mourn to-day the martyred dead, 
* " Who gave their lives to free the slave, 
Whose blood was shed, who fought and bled 
That over all one flag might wave ; 

That there might be one union great, 
One God, one law, through all the land ; 

One common Brotherhood — one State — 
One undivided nation grand. 

For this they faced the shot and shell, 

The roar of cannon, flash of steel, 
And faltered not ; like heroes fell 

For native land and common weal. 

Throughout the land one great race free, 
No North, no South, no Blue, no Gray, 

But all united, sea to sea, 

We give them flowers rare to-day. 



117 



THE PROMISE OF MORNING. 



Ht 1Rest 

TNTO the silence and the gloom 

* They bear the loved one to the tomb. 

And is this all ? Is this the end ? 

Believe it not, O mourning friend ! 

For though we blindly seek and grope 
For truth and knowledge, Faith and Hope, 
Two angels ever at our side, 
With us poor mortals still abide. 

To Doubt and Question they respond : 
"Have faith — there is a life beyond ; 
We rise again from out the grave, 
To find the light and rest we crave." 

In sorrow we must look above, 
And kiss affliction's rod of love ; 
For through the cross of loss and pain 
The crown of glory we attain. 



AT REST. 



Have faith, have hope ! Though earth so cold 
Your loved one's ashes still may hold, 
Her soul immortal is at rest, 
Upon a loving Father's breast ! 



119 



THE PROMISE OF MORNING. 



TTbe Better part. 

"There is little satisfaction in the desire of the 
ejes, or the pride of life, and most, even of human 
happiness, in the paths of self-denial." — K. E. C. 

A H ! what care I for earth's renown, 
•**• A title or proud name ; 
I covet not a tinsel crown, 

Great wealth or world-wide fame. 

The eyes' desire, the pride of life, 

Are now renounced by me ; 
They are not worth the toil and strife — 

My soul at last is free ! 

These toys, once cherished in my heart, 

To God, are freely given ; 
For I shall gain the "better part," 

The joy and peace of heaven ! 



THE FOREST SANCTUARY. 



XTbe fforest Sanctuary. 

TT ERE in the forest solitude, 

*■ * Where no harsh sound nor step intrude, 

Nor eye save Thine, O God, may see, 

I lift my grateful heart to Thee. 

No altar, frescoed ceiling fair, 

Is here, nor sculpture, fine and rare ; 

Yet still I love this quiet dell, 

It has for me a holy spell. 

I bring to Thee a troubled heart, 
Oh, Father, Thy sweet grace impart. 
Teach my proud soul to do Thy will, 
To love Thee and to trust Thee still. 

Father, with yearnings deep Thy child 
Would fain with Thee be reconciled ; 
Take me once more unto Thy breast, 
That I may find there peace and rest. 



THE PROMISE OF MORNING. 



WLbo is ms IReigbbor ? 

Y\ 7 HO is my neighbor ? It is he 
Y * Who asks my help in time of need ; 
When in distress or misery 

His cry for succor I must heed. 

My neighbor is the poor and blind, 
The prisoner, the halt and lame ; 

Let him but call, and he must find 
Me at his service, in Christ's name. 

And if he suffers pain and loss, 
In all his trouble, I must take 

A share, and bear it as a cross 

Upon my shoulders for Christ's sake. 



HOPE'S QUENCHLESS STAR. 



Ibope's ©uencbless Star. 

T S there no light for me, and must I grope 
* In night and darkness, Lord, bereft of hope ? 
Must I for aye of Pain a captive be ? 
Have mercy, God, and grant me liberty ! 

The chains of sin are heavy, and I long 

For rest, sweet rest. Dear God, I am not strong. 

I turn my eyes above, and lo, afar, 

I see a brilliant light — Hope's quenchless star ! 



H3 



THE PROMISE OF MORNING. 



/l&ars's XHntaiUna %ox>e. 

r\ BLESSED Mother ! take me safe within 
^^ Thy loving arms, and fold me to thy 

breast, 
For I am weary of this life of sin — 
On thy maternal bosom let me rest. 

With faith I kneel before thee at thy shrine, 
And plead for help and strength in earnest 
prayer ; 

Ask grace for me of thy dear Son Divine, 
Take me beneath thine all-sufficient care. 

Forgive me, Mother, and forget the past ; 

Once more with childlike faith to Thee I pray ; 
Clasp me again unto thy bosom fast 

That I may from thee never turn away. 

Here at thy feet, bowed with contrition deep, 
I come for shelter, trusting in thy love ; 

In death's dark hour, when I shall fall asleep, 
Then bear my soul to Paradise above. 



124 



QUEEN OF MAY 



Queen of /lfca£. 

SALVE Regina — Mother of God, 
Queen of May, 
Never from thy loving guidance 
Let me stray. 



In my trouble, care and sorrow, 

Be thou near ; 
Pray that I may still be faithful, 

Mother dear ! 

In life's shadow, storm and darkness, 

Pilot me ; 
From all sin, and guile and evil, 

Keep me free. 

Make me like thee, meek and gentle, 

Pure and mild ; 
That I may in heart be guileless 

As a child. 



125 



THE PROMISE OF MORNING 

When life's storm and stress is over, 

On thy breast, 
Bear me to the Father's presence, 

There to rest. 



126 



A ROSARY OF FLOWERS. 



H IRosary of fflowers. 

CACH bead strung on the flower-chain, 
^ Is a white rose without a stain, — 
A type of thy virginity, 
Dear Lady of the Rosary. 

The rose, immaculate and fair, 
Is symbol of thy beauty rare, 
Thy meekness and thy purity, 
Dear Lady of the Rosary. 

The hidden thorn is to attest 

The pang that pierced thy loving breast 

When Jesus died on Calvary, 

Dear Lady of the Rosary. 

Thou art the Rose of Paradise, 
The Rose that never fades or dies, 
But blooms in immortality, 
Dear Lady of the Rosary. 



127 



THE PROMISE OF MORNING. 



H CbilD ot flDarp. 

A T morning, noon and night I knelt 
**■ A child, before thy shrine in prayer ; 
My heart so innocent then felt 
A perfect trust in thy fond care. 

That love and faith, dear Mother, give 
To me once more, that I may be 

Thy child again, — that I may live 
A stainless life of purity. 

Be thou my star in life's dark night, 

A watchful pilot and a stay 
In storm and stress — a beacon light 

In Death's dark hour to guide my way ! 



SWEET MOTHER, PRAY FOR ME. 



Sweet /IDotber, Jprag for fl&e. 

f\ WHEN the world seems dark and drear, 
^-^ And no bright star I see, 
And friends deceive, and fortune frowns, — 
Sweet Mother, pray for me ! 

When grief and sadness fill my soul, 

And desolate it be, 
With trust and faith I turn and cry — 

Sweet Mother, pray for me ! 

Be thou a pilot sure and true 

To guide o'er Death's dark sea ; 
In my last hour, oh, be thou nigh — 

Sweet Mother, pray for me ! 



129 



THE PROMISE OF MORNING. 



Xite's Galvarg Cross, 

IFE is dreary, I am weary 
*~* Of its sin and pain ; 
Jesus, hear me, be Thou near me, 
Make me Thine again. 

In the glad time, in the sad time, 

Be Thou at my side ; 
In the bright time, in the night time, 

O be Thou my guide ! 

I believe Thee, yet deceive Thee, 
Wound Thee with Sin's dart ; 

O relieve me, though I grieve Thee, 
Give me a new heart ! 

Jesus, help me, teach me, lead me 

To Thy bleeding feet ; 
Watch me ever, love me, feed me 

With Thy body sweet. 



30 



LIFE'S CALVARY CROSS. 



Hear my prayer — in all my care, 

Sorrow, grief and loss, 
Take Thou a share, and help me bear 

Life's Calvary cross ! 



v 



THE PROMISE OF MORNING. 



IMs Warne is %ovc. 

A H ! whither should the mourner go 
**■ For solace on this earth below ? 
Where seek a balm for pain and care ? 
Where find a refuge from despair ? 

In grief, there is a sure retreat — 
God's altar — refuge pure and sweet ; 
In that dear consecrated place 
Is found a Saviour's richest grace. 

There let thine orisons arise, 

And seek thou converse with the skies ; 

Remember there is One above 

To help thee, and His name is Love. 



13 : 



THE LONELY VIGIL WITH THE DEAD. 



Zbc Xonels Mail with tbe 2>eafc. 

A LL night I watched beside my dead — 
'**- I kissed her smiling face so fair ; 
The moon a soft, sweet radiance shed 
About the still form lying there. 

She lay in her last dreamless sleep, 

And I my vigil kept alone ; 
My eyes were dry — I could not weep, 

But from my lips came forth a moan : 

"Must I for years and years live on 

Alone — alone forever more ? 
Ah ! can it be that she is gone 

For aye to yonder golden shore ? 

"How shall I live from day to day, 
And never see again her face ; 

My God, in anguish deep I pray 
For resignation and Thy grace ! 



i33 



THE PROMISE OF MORNING. 

"Give me Thy strength, that my sad heart 
May bear this load of grief and pain, 

Knowing though loved ones here must part, 
In heaven we shall meet again ! " 



i34 



REST IN HEAVEN. 



IRest in 1beav>eu. 

I WALK the city streets, and in the crowd 
* 1 mingle with the gay, the young and proud ; 
And wear a mask of carelessness, and smile, 
But ah ! my weary heart is sad the while. 

I seek for peace at mountain and in wood, 
But still it is the same in solitude ; 
I seek for rest beside the mighty deep, 
But all in vain — I find no rest nor sleep ! 

Is there no peace on earth, and is my quest 
A hopeless one ? Is there for me no rest ? 
I hear the still, small voice of Faith — a breath — 
Within my heart : "Yes, there is rest in Death ! " 

"There is a rest in Paradise — a home — 
A place where never any hopeless roam 
In quest of peace ; a home of rest above 
In Heaven, with a tender Father's love ! " 



*35 



THE PROMISE OF MORNING. 



2)o UfoeK? fmow? 

T WONDER if they in heaven really know, 
* If they can see what passes here below ; 
If they can hear our sobbing, see our pain, 
Or if they shrink from us, with foulness stain. 

I wonder if they guard and watch us here, 
If when we sin, they weeping hover near, 
Or if they come and meet us here below, 
When death is near ; I wonder will they know. 

I wonder if their forms will look the same, 
If they will greet us calling each by name ; 
If they will speak of all their trials here, 
If they will know those who on earth were dear. 

They hear our sobbing voices, see our pain, 
They know that all our losses are but gain ; 
They leave us not, no matter where we go 
They plead for us ; ah, yes, the angels know ! 



136 



THE SERPENT OF DOUBT. 



Zfte Serpent ot H>oubt. 

T^HERE is a serpent in my breast 
* That stings and will not let me rest ; 
It weaves about my heart a spell, 
And hides within its inmost cell. 

This deadly serpent's name is Doubt ; 
In vain I strive to cast it out ; 
Clinging with a tenacious hold, 
Its coils around my heart are rolled. 

Through day and night it lurks within 
My secret soul, and thrives on sin ; 
The thought that it is hiding there 
Is to my mind a load of care. 

Dear God ! come loose the galling chain 
Crush out the foe — free me again ; 
Into my soul Thy sweet grace pour, 
And give me back my faith once more. 

******* 



w 



THE PROMISE OF MORNING. 

Ah ! Doubt is routed from its place, 
And it has left behind no trace ; 
With God the serpent could not cope, 
Faith killed it with the sword of Hope. 



A DliAH ENEMY. 



H IDeafc Bnemv?. 



TT came at midnight to my bed, 
* The shape of one I knew was dead, 
That wronged me living. "Pardon me ! 
It moaned and cried imploringly. 



It beat its hands upon its breast : 
"I have no peace — I cannot rest : 

set me free — relieve my pain, 

A word of thine will break my chain. 

"For all who die and leave behind 
One they have wronged by deed unkind, 
Must pardon find before they rise 
Unto the heights of Paradise." 

"Poor soul ! " I said ; "may God, I pray, 
Forgive as I — go thou thy way." 

1 he Shape gave one glad cry, and then 
I heard the angels chant, "Amen ! " 



i39 



THE PROMISE OF MORNING. 



Blmiabts jfatber. 

'"THOU art my Father, and my Friend, 
* Yet Thou art God, O Love Divine ! 
Without beginning, without end, 

Still I am Thine, and Thou art mine. 

The universe is in Thy hand, 

The planets, stars, the earth and sea 

Obedient to Thy command, 

Shall one day perish — cease to be. 

Though stars and planets cease to roll, 
The mighty force that men call death 

Shall have no power o'er my soul, 
For that, O Father, is Thy breath. 

I am a sinner, Thou art God, 
Yet I may dare to call Thee still 

My Father ! Lord, I kiss Thy rod, 
And humbly bow unto Thy will. 



AN OMNIPRESENT GOD. 



Hn Omnipresent (3ofc. 

HTHROUGHOUT all Nature's wide domain, 
* On mountain, valley, hill and plain, 
In storm and cloud and mighty sea, 
An omnipresent God we see. 

We see Him in the moonlight bright, 
That guides the sailor through the night ; 
In rolling tides that come and go 
With a resistless, ceaseless flow. 

We see Him in the forest glade, 
At early dawn and twilight shade ; 
And every blade of grass that grows 
His wondrous love and power disclose. 

Through all the universal space, 
In every place a God we trace ; 
On planet, earth, on sea and air, 
We see His love imprinted there. 



141 



THE PROMISE OF MORNING. 



1fn tbe Ifoouse ot $o&. 

T T EAR us, O Father, while with fervent prayer 
* * We humbly kneel before Thee at Thy 

shrine ; 
Accept our offering — may our spirits share 
The bright effulgence of Thy smile divine. 

Here may the mourner's heart, though bowed 
by grief, 

Seek consolation, and not seek in vain ; 
Here may the fainting spirit find relief, 

And strengthened, rise in confidence again. 

We thank Thee, Father, for the grace and joy 
Of mingling here our sympathies and prayers ; 

A little season in such blest employ 

Enables us to bear life's cross and cares. 



142 



MAR 27 1899 



